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King Abdullah addresses pilgrims in Mina
King Abdullah delivers address to Hajj pilgrims in Mina

King Abdullah addresses pilgrims in Mina

October 27, 2012

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz delivered an address to pilgrims in Mina today. “I congratulate you and all of the Islamic nation, praying to God to accept Hajj from all who came to this sacred House, and forgive all their sins, and to return them safely to their homelands, after God Almighty has honored them with the performance of the fifth pillar of Islam.”

The King stated, “During Hajj, the values of brotherhood and tolerance and the rejection of rancor appear clearly, since God wished the Muslim to lead a life which is an example of purity, and Hajj reflects the above mentioned values . . . The atmosphere surrounding the pilgrims makes them feel that the mission of the true Muslim is to spread security and peace, not only with the human being, but also with birds, trees and stones. This ultimate aim to which a Muslim yearns is to contribute to the reform of the earth and populate it.”

King Abdullah welcomed the unity shown by pilgrims from around the world. “During Hajj many types of sympathy prevail on this earth,” he said. “There is no difference between one language and another, nor between one race and another. The rich help the poor, and the strong help the weak. All hearts are united on one call to God, and the unity of the nation is achieved, so that the sublime social purpose which Islam sought will be fulfilled.”

The King stressed the importance of finding common ground, especially during the current upheaval. “We are in dire need of true solidarity which maintains the unity of the nation, protects it from fragmentation, division, and prohibits the letting of blood, which God has made sacred,” he declared. “Indeed this is the message of Hajj, which calls for unity of ranks and the rejection of fragmentation. We beseech God Almighty to help leaders of Muslim states for the good of our homeland and societies . . . As renaissance and progress are achieved through prosperity and security, we Muslims, nowadays, are in dire need of dialogue with the others and ourselves, in order to put an end to dissent, ignorance, extremism . . . and injustice, which threaten the aspirations of Muslims.”

As the land of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of the effort to achieve the Muslim values of peace and understanding, King Abdullah said. “Out of this vision, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is still calling for dialogue between religions and cultures. It is following this path for the good of the Islamic nation and humanity as a whole.”

He concluded, “The Kingdom, which God has honored to serve the Two Holy Mosques, pilgrims and visitors, feels the great responsibility bestowed upon its shoulders and exerts every effort to achieve this mission to enable pilgrims to perform Hajj in ease and comfort.”